Planning more than one trip to Europe? Then a multiple-entry Schengen visa could save you a lot of time and money. You fill out one form and pay one fee. After that, you can travel as often as the visa allows. The catch is that not everyone gets one. Here’s how it works, and how to ask for it the right way from the UK.
What Is a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?
A multiple-entry Schengen visa lets you enter the Schengen Area as many times as you like. You can leave, visit somewhere else, and come back without applying again.
It’s still a short-stay visa, so it’s for holidays, business trips, and family visits. It doesn’t let you live or work in Europe. And remember, you’re only asking for it. The consulate decides what you get.
Single, Double and Multiple Entry: What’s the Difference?
The entry type is simply how many times you can enter the Schengen Area from outside. Here’s how the three compare.
| Entry type | Entries allowed | Best for |
| Single entry | One | One holiday or event |
| Double entry | Two | One side trip outside Schengen, such as Morocco |
| Multi-entry Schengen visa | Many | Regular work trips or family visits |
Ask for what fits your real plans. If you only need one trip, there’s no point asking for ten.
How to Read Your Visa Sticker
Have a look at your sticker before you book anything. It takes a minute, and it can save you a headache at the airport.
- Number of entries: MULT means many. 01 means one, and 02 means two.
- Valid from and until: The dates you can enter, and the date you need to be out.
- Number of days: How long you can stay in total.
- Territory: This should say Schengen States, unless the visa has a limit.
- Passport number: It must match the passport you’ll travel with.
If you spot a mistake, contact the visa centre or consulate straight away.
How Long Does a Multiple Entry Visa Last?
That depends on your travel history, not on what you ask for.
New applicants often get a visa that only covers one trip. If you’ve used your visas properly, the next one may last a year. After that, you might get two years, and later up to five. We call this the cascade rule. The European Commission visa policy page explains the official rules.
You may see websites mention a three-year visa. The usual steps are one, two, and five years.
The consulate decides each time. Don’t expect a longer visa because you have travelled before.
Who Can Get One?
The consulate wants a good reason to give you a multiple-entry Schengen visa. These things usually help:
- A regular reason to travel, such as client meetings or family visits
- Income and savings that fit the trips you describe
- Strong ties to the UK, like a job, a home, or a course
- Honest answers about any past refusals
- Travel plans that look real
You can tick every box and still get a refusal. The consulate looks at each case on its own.
How to Get a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Step by Step
Here’s how it works if you’re applying from the UK.
- Pick the country to apply through. Pick the country where you will stay the longest. You can check each country’s rules on our country pages.
- Fill in the form. Tick multiple entries and explain why you need them.
- Gather your documents. The checklist is just below.
- Book your appointment. If your plans change, our guide on changing a Schengen visa appointment can help.
- Give your biometrics. Your fingerprints can often be reused for 59 months.
- Wait for the decision. Collect your passport when it’s ready.
What Documents Do You Need?
A good file is neat and easy to check. Here’s what to bring.
- Identity: A valid passport with blank pages. If you have a UK eVisa, bring your share code too.
- Photo: One recent photo that meets the Schengen rules.
- Insurance: Travel cover of at least €30,000 for medical costs, valid in every Schengen country.
- Money: Recent bank statements, payslips, or business accounts.
- Work or study: A letter from your employer, company papers, or proof of study.
- Trip details: Where you’ll stay, plus a flight booking for the first trip.
- Past visas: Copies of old Schengen visas and entry stamps.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Multiple Entries
Your cover letter explains why one visa makes more sense than several. Keep it short and clear.
- Say how many trips you expect, and roughly when
- Give the reason for each one, like a client visit or a family event
- Mention the papers that prove it, such as an invitation or contract
- Make sure every date and place matches your travel plan
Plain words work best. A simple letter that matches your documents does more for you than a fancy one that doesn’t.
How Much Does It Cost?
A multiple-entry Schengen visa costs the same as a single-entry visa. The number of entries doesn’t change the fee.
| Applicant | Visa fee |
| Adults | €90 |
| Children aged 6 to 11 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
Visa centres add a service charge, and it varies by provider. If the consulate refuses your application, it keeps the visa fee. The price in pounds also moves with the exchange rate, so check it on the day you pay.
How Long Does It Take?
Most decisions come within 15 calendar days. Harder cases can take up to 45. You can apply up to six months before you travel, but not later than 15 days before.
The wait for an appointment can be longer than the decision itself, especially in summer. Try to apply at least three months ahead.
Do You Have to Enter Through the Country That Issued Your Visa?
Not strictly. You can cross any Schengen border with a valid visa. What matters is that your real trip matches the plan in your application.
If your stays are equal in length, apply to the first country you’ll enter. We cover this in more detail in our guide to travelling to multiple countries on one Schengen visa.
The 90/180 Day Limit and EES
A longer visa doesn’t mean a longer stay. You can spend 90 days in any 180 days, even on a five-year visa. Every Schengen country counts towards the same total.
The Entry/Exit System has been fully in use since April 2026. It records your entries and exits with biometrics, so officers can see your days without checking stamps. You can work out your own count with the official EU short-stay calculator. Our article on EES and ETIAS in 2026 explains the new system.
One more thing. ETIAS is a separate permit for people who don’t need a visa. If you hold a Schengen visa, it doesn’t apply to you.
What If You Only Get a Single Entry Visa?
It happens more often than you’d think. You asked for many entries, and the consulate gave you one or two.
An issued visa usually can’t be changed. You’d need to apply again, and the consulate will want to see that you used the first visa properly. Fast Holidays can check your papers and help you decide what to do next.
Why Apply With Fast Holidays?
Visa rules are easy to get wrong, and one small mistake can cost you weeks. With Fast Holidays, you get:
- A document check before you apply
- Advice on the right country and entry type
- A review of your cover letter
- Help booking your appointment
- Clear answers without the jargon
We can’t promise a result. Only the consulate decides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Ireland, Cyprus or the UK on this visa?
No. None of them is in the Schengen Area, and each has its own entry rules. Check them before you book.
Do British citizens need one?
Usually not. British citizens can visit the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays. This visa mainly suits UK residents of other nationalities who do need one.
Do I need new insurance for every trip?
Yes, you need valid cover each time you travel. When you apply, you normally show insurance for the first trip and agree to buy cover for later ones.
What if I get a new passport during the visa?
Your visa stays in the old passport, so carry both when you travel.
Can I work on this visa?
No. It’s a short-stay visa for visits, not for work.
Final Thoughts
A multiple-entry Schengen visa can save you time and repeat fees. It works best when you have a clear reason and tidy papers. Plan your trips, make your documents tell the same story, and apply early.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with Fast Holidays on our contact page, and we’ll guide you through your application.
